LFC News: Xabi Alonso Says "My Biggest Regret With Liverpool Was..."

Liverpool had probably the best midfield duo in footballing history in the shape of Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. Gerrard was the driving force of the team while Alonso was the calm and composed presence. Of course, how can we forget that iconic night in Istanbul where both of them registered their name on the scoresheet to come back from 3-0 down at half-time against AC Milan to bring the trophy back to Anfield. Xabi Alonso, whenever he touched the ball, exuded a certain class. There was something in his touch, the way he commanded his game, the way he went on with his job during the game, all while being a serial winner and one of the best ever players to grace football. Now at 35, he decided to hang his boots and reflect back on his stellar career. In a recent interview, he reveals the three regrets he's had in his career. Want to know Xabi Alonso's 3 regrets of his career? Scroll down to know more.

Xabi Alonso was a Liverpool hero

The Spaniard enjoyed a cult following of his own when Rafa Benitez decided to bring him to Anfield. As mentioned by Steven Gerrard in his autobiography, his talents and gift for the game were evident from day 1. Alonso could make 70-yard passes look effortless, had a blockbuster of a right foot and was the perfect midfield enforcer.

Istanbul heroics

Xabi Alonso missed his penalty and scored on the rebound the defining goal of that night in Istanbul, registering the most historic comeback in Champions League history. Recently he opened up about his regrets in his footballing career.

Regret with Real Sociedad

"With Real Sociedad, my club, we were one game from winning La Liga" - Xabi Alonso opens up during an interview with The Times. Real Sociedad finished just two points behind Real Madrid, narrowly missing out on the La Liga title.

Regret with Liverpool

"With Liverpool we were so close to the Premier League". Liverpool were in pole position to clinch their first ever Premier League title under the management of Rafa Benitez until he went on a rant regarding how officials favor Manchester United and despite being ahead of Man Utd, finished 4 points behind them.

Regret with Bayern

"With Bayern, so close to the Champions League." Bayern Munich always managed to make it to the semi-finals only to see their efforts end in heartache. Alonso has won the World Cup, Euros, Bundesliga, La Liga but the Champions League has eluded him time and time again.

Happy that he dictated his path

Alonso further added, "But maybe that would be too much to ask, too perfect, If you can call them regrets...but that's just football. When I look back, I can be happy that I've done what I wanted, dictated my path." A man that was as classy off the pitch as he was on it, we bid him a happy retirement.